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Silla–Tang War
670–676· War· Wars & invasions
Well documentedSolid records, physical evidence or scientific consensus.
From 670 to 676 Silla fought its former ally Tang China, which wanted to rule the whole peninsula, and won.
See it on the Korean History map →What happened
The Silla–Tang War (나당전쟁) began when Tang, after 668, set up commands over former Baekje and Goguryeo lands and treated Silla as a subordinate. Silla backed Goguryeo rebels in 670, seized former Baekje territory by 671, and defeated Tang armies at Maeso Fortress, north of today's Seoul, in 675. In 676 its navy won at Gibeolpo, the Geum River mouth. Tang, also fighting Tibet, moved its command from Pyongyang back to Liaodong.
Why it matters
It kept Korea from becoming a Tang province and fixed Silla's northern border near the Taedong River for over two centuries.
How we know
The Samguk sagi gives detailed Silla accounts; Tang histories cover the war briefly and record mainly Tang successes.
Still debated
Battle sizes, such as the 200,000 Tang troops said to be at Maeso, are disputed, and Korean and Chinese accounts of who won what differ.
Connections (3)
▸Silla's wars of unification ended with Silla–Tang WarWell documented
The connection
Once Baekje and Goguryeo were gone, the allies' goals split. Tang wanted to rule the whole peninsula; Silla wanted its promised share and more. The unification wars thus ended with Silla fighting its former partner, a war that decided who would really control Korea.
When and how
670–676, from Silla's backing of Goguryeo rebels to the naval battle at Gibeolpo.
How we know
The Samguk sagi and Tang histories both record the turn from alliance to war.
Debates and open questions
Whether Tang always meant to absorb Silla, or reacted to Silla's moves, is debated.
▸King Munmu of Silla drove out the Tang in Silla–Tang WarWell documented
The connection
Munmu played a careful double game: fighting Tang armies while sending apologies and tribute to the Tang court. Silla backed Goguryeo rebels, seized former Baekje lands, and won at Maeso Fortress in 675 and Gibeolpo in 676. Tang then pulled its command back to Liaodong.
When and how
670–676, along the Imjin and Han rivers and at the Geum River mouth, under Munmu's direction.
How we know
The Samguk sagi details the campaigns and Munmu's diplomacy; Tang histories note Tang setbacks and the move to Liaodong.
Debates and open questions
How much Tang's withdrawal was due to Silla's wins, and how much to its war with Tibet, is debated.
▸Silla–Tang War secured independence for Unified SillaWell documented
The connection
Winning the Silla–Tang War meant Unified Silla would rule itself rather than become a Tang commandery. It stayed a formal tributary of Tang, sending envoys and using Tang's calendar, but governed itself; in 735 Tang recognized Silla's hold south of the Taedong River.
When and how
Victory in 676; the diplomatic settlement came in 735, under King Seongdeok.
How we know
Chinese and Korean records show regular tribute missions resuming and Tang's 735 grant of territory.
Debates and open questions
How much 'independence' meant inside the tribute system, which gave China formal rank over its neighbors, is debated.